Congratulations! You win the "read between the lines" game!
Hilarious that some people listen to that interview and are convinced he is re-signing. Others have the exact opposite take-away.
Everyone needs to relax. I personally view JT's comments as encouraging. Staple's obviously not so much.
We all know the reasons why he could leave, let's hope there are enough reasons for him to stay...
Completely agree.
Has anyone possibly thought that this is calculated by JT, the Islanders etc?
Now that the rumor that he hates the arena, commute, etc are out there, it causes outrage and panic. Oh god, our star player will leave because of the arena!
Now the Belmont RFP is under way. This panic now enforces massive public support for the arena. "Oh no, we can't lose our franchise player, we need to get behind this and be vocal. We need this arena!"
I laughed when I saw Staple's tweets. They were more negative than usual. More down on JT than prior, even after his previous article was an interview with Tavares, and it was positive. Or the fact that Tavares in his words on Toronto radio said don't count on him leaving for the Leafs. Everyone is acting like this loyal guy, who speaks the truth, a consummate professional, is all off a sudden a snake in the grass? Nobody twisted his arm to take less money on the last contract. He did. I would think his only apprehension is whether he takes a little less this time, does Garth/Owners use that money on FAs.
My guess is Staple put out the interview, and someone from the Isles may have spoken to him, painted a darker picture....which is probably false. It is to strum up the panic for the arena....as we are seeing on these boards.
Again, Stamkos played out his last year and signed the night before FA. Please stop with the Tax implications. That was not the reason. These guys grew up in that Toronto spotlight. Both in good families. They are loyal. The Tax thing is ridiculous, because then why didn't Crosby run too? Or Toews and Kane? This isn't basketball. These guys want to win where they sarted
Everyone relax.